Mentorship is key to success in Tech, says Oluwasina

Soneye Oluwasina is a Software Systems Development Engineer at GENEO Softwares Limited in the UK, where he builds software solutions that power global industries. His impact, however stretches far beyond writing code.

From dismantling hardware out of curiosity to writing his first lines of code, his journey into technology was driven by sheer determination and an insatiable hunger to learn.

Oluwasina grew up in Ijebu-Ode, a small town in Ogun State where his fascination with computers began before he even knew what coding was.

Through Tech Ace Programmers Hub, a thriving community he helped build, Oluwasina has become a force in mentoring and guiding aspiring developers, proving that opportunity isn’t limited by geography.

In this interview with The Guardian, he shares how he transformed his passion into a career, why mentorship is at the heart of his work, and how he is helping shape the future of tech—one coder at a time.

Can you briefly describe your journey and how you got here?

I discovered my love for computers at a young age, and thanks to my dad for supporting my first adventure into the world of computers, I am able to turn that passion into a fulfilling career. I apprenticed at a computer repair school to broaden my knowledge, so I can say I was a computer technician at one point(laughs). Enrolling at The Federal Polytechnic Ilaro, Ogun State changed my perspective about what I intend to do with my life, and I am grateful for the moments. On the other hand, mentorship was a skill I picked up in school while giving tutorials on computer science-related courses, which my course mates found hard. I came to the realization that it was one of the soothing actions I enjoyed, aside from writing software programs.

What is mentorship, and why is it important in Tech?
Technology industry mentorship involves professionals who are already experienced in the field, guiding newcomers in navigating challenges and seizing opportunities. However, you need not be too qualified to mentor; you just need to go through changes yourself and be ready to pass on the experience from these changes.

In today’s rapidly advancing technological landscape, it is a bridge between knowledge and application, helping individuals develop the skills and confidence to excel. Beyond personal growth, it creates ripple effects that foster innovation and community development.

I genuinely believe that having a mentor would have significantly boosted my journey in the tech world. While I don’t see it as a regret, I can’t help but feel that my path could have been even smoother with some guidance along the way.

How does mentorship Influence local communities?
In local communities, mentorship provides a lifeline for aspiring professionals, especially in areas with limited access to quality education and job opportunities. Programmes like the Programmers’ Hub, For Loop, GDG showcase the transformative potential of guidance and support. Programmers Hub for instance started as a small group and quickly evolved into a thriving community of over 300 members, driven by collaborative learning activities like boot camps, Vacation Application Developments (VAD) and conferences. These initiatives equip participants with practical skills, enabling them contribute to local economies and solve community-specific problems.

For instance, mentorship efforts have led to the creation of skilled persons to fill the ever-growing space in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem.

It has also led to the creation of innovative solutions that cater for small businesses and the financial sector. These solutions improve lives, generate employment, and stimulate economic growth, showcasing the far-reaching benefits of fostering local talent.

What role does mentorship play in empowering underrepresented groups?
Underrepresented groups, including women, rural youth, and minorities, often face systemic barriers to accessing opportunities in the Tech industry. Most mentorship usually cater for popular states like Lagos, Abuja or cities such as Abeokuta in Ogun State.

Mentorship should provide pathway to overcome these challenges by offering guidance, encouragement, and network access. Programmes like SheCodesAfrica, which provides coding workshops for women, exemplify how targeted efforts can empower individuals to pursue careers in tech.

Tech Ace Programmers Hub also caters for this level of marginalisation as it was one that sprang up from Ilaro, a small town known for its rice importation and the polytechnic. Participants gain not only technical expertise, but also the confidence to break barriers, creating role models who inspire others and drive inclusivity.

Tech giants such as Microsoft, Google, and Amazon have also recognized the value of such initiatives. By supporting underrepresented groups, these companies contribute to a more diverse and dynamic industry, fostering innovation and equity on a global scale.

What are the economic benefits of mentorship?
The economic advantages of mentorship are significant, particularly in developing economies such as Nigeria. By equipping individuals with in-demand skills, mentorship programmes reduce unemployment, which is highly prevalent in Nigeria. It also increases productivity and encourages entrepreneurship.

Graduates of these programmes often establish startups that address local challenges, from agricultural technologies to fintech solutions improving financial inclusion. This is easily observed by the number of financial startups in Nigeria right now with most being intuitive works of school graduates or products of mentorship programmes like Zealarax Technologies, Patricia etc

Such startups create jobs, attract investments, and drive Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth, positioning regions as innovation hubs. Additionally, successful mentorship programmes often draw support from international organizations and tech companies, creating a cycle of growth that benefits entire communities. Instances of Google Developer Groups (GDG) and Amazon have now identified the amount of talent emanating from Nigeria and Africa at large.

What are the challenges of mentorship?
While the benefits are evident, implementing effective mentorship programmes comes with challenges. The pace of technological advancement requires mentors to stay current with industry trends to provide relevant guidance. Additionally, the high demand for skilled professionals in Artificial Intelligence and cybersecurity necessitates scalable mentorship models that can reach diverse populations. Aside from that, there is always a Nigeria factor in everything, where extensive permissions are required to scale one, and the government is less supportive of such initiatives. Although we have started noticing a shift in thinking, it’s not enough yet. We can do better as a country.

What opportunities exist to improve Tech mentorship?
Technology has made it easier to connect mentors and mentees globally. Virtual platforms like LinkedIn, Slack, and Zoom enable cross-border interactions, expanding access to expertise for underserved groups. Peer learning models, where individuals at similar stages support each other, offer a collaborative approach that enhances growth. Efforts to include marginalised groups can further broaden the impact, ensuring no potential is overlooked.

What are the merits of Tech mentorship in Nigeria?
I am of the opinion that in order to impact knowledge, you have to be teachable to teach. The process of mentorship is a learning moment for you as a mentor. One of the benefits you will quickly realise is the rapid development of your skill.

Mentorship fosters economic growth and community building and, as mentioned before, it empowers marginalised groups, especially women in Tech.

What are the perceived demerits?
It’s pretty straightforward, resource constraints being one of them. During the infancy of Programmers Hub, most of the community activities had to be self-funded by pioneers like myself and you can imagine how hard that can be as a student in a tertiary institution.

Overreliance on mentors is also a problem we faced where mentees see mentors as the isle of knowledge, but this is easily corrected with good community structure. Inconsistency in the quality of mentors can also be detrimental to the vision of mentorship. Oftentimes, people want to mentor for fame, not for hard work or because they share the vision of building an ecosystem of Tech-minded people.

How can individuals and organizations contribute?
Professionals should always be willing to step up as mentors, sharing their expertise and supporting the growth of others. Organizations can embed guidance programmes into their culture, rewarding employees who take on these roles and investing in initiatives that amplify impact. Educational institutions can connect students with industry experts, while governments can support programmes through funding and partnerships. Together, these efforts create a foundation for long-term progress.

What is your message for aspiring mentors?
Mentorship holds the power to transform lives, uplift communities, and drive economic progress. Whether through local initiatives or global programmes, the guidance and support provided by experienced professionals are shaping a more inclusive and innovative tech ecosystem. As we move forward, the collective effort to embrace and enhance these programmes will determine the extent of their impact.